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Byron Shire
June 13, 2026

Discover the spirit of the rainforest

Latest News

Up to 550 homes pegged for Byron Shire’s newest suburb

Community feedback is now sought on three planning documents that will shape the future of Gulgan Village, a new residential suburb proposed on the elevated slopes of Saddle Road. 

Other News

Byron Shire residents urged to lobby feds for better roads and services

Byron Shire Council is calling on the community to help lobby the Australian Government to restore proper funding through their Federal Assistance Grants program from the current 0.5 percent of tax revenue to 1 percent.

Free bike track ‘waste of money’

Byron Shire business people who think that spending eye-watering amounts of taxpayers’ money ripping up a multi-billion-dollar train line...

Taxing labour vs capital

Catherine Cusack (Echo, 27 May) says she believes ‘Australians are fine with fairness for housing. The issue is messy...

Climate action arts program announces 2026 recipients

Ingrained Foundation, together with co-founder of the Climate Action Arts Grant Program, Vicki Brooke, and delivery partner Arts Northern Rivers (ANR), are say they are delighted to announce the five recipients of the inaugural program.

Tipping point

It is noted in the last edition of The Echo that six new dwellings with swimming pools are to...

Social homes completed in Casino – what else is in the pipeline?

With 17 new ‘social housing’ dwellings being announced for Casino, what other similar projects are underway in the Northern Rivers?

The cellar door sits on the Brook family farm – working macadamia orchard surrounded by regenerated subtropical rainforest.

Tucked away in the green heart of the Byron Bay hinterland, Cape Byron Distillery offers more than just world-class spirits (such as Brookies gins, and Cape Byron whiskies) – it’s a place where nature and craftsmanship come together. For those seeking a meaningful escape, or a unique way to entertain visiting friends and family, their cellar door is open and ready to welcome you.

Open Thursday to Sunday from 10:45am to 6:00pm, the cellar door sits on the Brook family farm – a working macadamia orchard surrounded by regenerated subtropical rainforest. Over the past 30 years, more than 40,000 trees have been planted there, creating a thriving ecosystem that now inspires the very spirits they produce. On one of their Rainforest Tours & Guided Gin Tastings, you’ll walk the trails, touch and taste the botanicals used in their gin, and experience firsthand how the environment shapes every bottle.

You can also experience a Whisky Tour, where you’ll explore the barrel rooms, learn about the distillery’s whisky journey and enjoy a guided tasting with the exclusive opportunity to fill your own bottle straight from the cask.

Book online to enjoy a guided tasting of the award-winning Brookie’s gin and Cape Byron whisky, or reserve a table to sit on the balcony, take in the views, and enjoy a cocktail or two.

At Cape Byron Distillery, they say their commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything they do: ‘As a proudly B-Corp certified distillery and Australia’s only B-Corp certified whisky distillery, our cellar door is where this ethos truly comes to life – through immersive experiences, storytelling and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to the region, we invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature and taste the spirit of the rainforest.’

Private tastings and group bookings are also available for those looking to celebrate a special occasion.

Bookings via www.capebyrondistillery.com



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Load limit increased for Byron Creek Bridge

The load limit for Byron Creek Bridge has been increased to 24 tonnes, say Byron Shire Council, following structural analysis of the bridge.

Festival and event grants on offer

Community organisations are encouraged to apply for NSW government grants to bring cultural festivals and events to life across the state over the coming year.

Dr Bronwyn Bancroft wins prestigious Ochre Award

Bundjalung woman and artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft AM has received the Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement in Artistic Excellence.

The Pocket Winter Festival bringing you music, food and fun

The Pocket Winter Festival is set to return on Sunday, 21 June, from 10am to 2pm, bringing together the community for a day of music, food, entertainment and family fun at The Pocket Public School.